Zurich’s Sleeploop project from Hochschulmedizin Zürich aims to improve deep sleep through active modulation of the electric deep sleep waves in the head. According to a report from the University of Zurich (UZH), the method helps to reduce the negative impact that disrupted sleep has on health and performance.
For this, subjects wear a headband with electrodes and a microchip developed by Sleeploop. The electrodes measure the brain activity of sleeping subjects. The data is assessed in real time using specially developed software.
When the deep sleep phase is entered, the usual, large, slow wave movements of neurons become visible. Sleeploop periodically sends a barely audible, brief noise to the wearer’s ear, called pink noise. At the start of the wave peak, the noise increases the amplitude and subjects sleep deeper. If pink noise is played just after the wave peak, this weakens the amplitude. This in turn can have positive effects on depression. According to the UZH, a Sleeploop test involving patients with Parkinson’s disease demonstrated a positive effect.
According to the information provided, a total of 16 scientific teams are currently driving the research forward at full speed. In parallel, Zurich-based Tosoo, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, is developing a commercial product for clinical use based on the Sleeploop method. The Sleeploop consortium will present its method in the atrium of the University of Zurich during Zurich’s Scientifica science festival on September 2 and 3. ce/mm
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